Elastic Spacer Venting Device for IPX9K Water Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing venting devices fail to consistently pass the IPX9K test due to geometric constraints, as water sprays can penetrate the sealing element and compromise air exchange, leading to potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A venting device with an elastic spacer arranged around the perimeter of the through hole, which compresses to form a seal between the support member and the housing, providing additional protection against water and particles, ensuring air exchange occurs only through the air-permeable membrane while preventing water and particle intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing element is used to prevent water and air from entering the housing, then water resistance is improved, but air exchange is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two distinct components: a primary seal (sealing element 5) that prevents water and air leakage, and a secondary protective seal (elastic spacer 8) that protects the primary seal from direct water impact. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, ensuring both water resistance and air exchange through the membrane layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic spacer 8 acts as an intermediary protective element between the water spray and the primary sealing element 5. It deflects water and reduces kinetic energy before water reaches the seal, allowing the seal to maintain its sealing function without compromising air exchange through the membrane.
2Reliability
If the sealing element is positioned close to the through hole to minimize gaps, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but water can more easily reach and compromise the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic spacer 8 extends the sealing protection into a third dimension by creating a protruding protective barrier between the water spray and the primary seal. This dimensional extension allows water to be deflected laterally before reaching the seal, reducing direct impact while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic spacer 8 is positioned beforehand to cushion and absorb the impact of water sprays before they reach the sealing element 5. This preemptive protection reduces the kinetic energy of water attempting to compromise the seal, ensuring sealing effectiveness is maintained.
3Reliability
If a protective structure is added to protect the membrane from direct water contact, then water resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic spacer 8 is implemented as a flexible, thin-walled structure that provides protective functionality without adding significant complexity. Its flexibility allows it to deform under water pressure to protect the membrane, while its thin-walled design minimizes structural complexity and maintains air exchange capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic spacer 8 serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the membrane from direct water impact, maintains the sealing effectiveness of the sealing element 5, and preserves air exchange through the membrane. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components.
4Reliability
If the venting device is designed to pass the IPX9K test with high pressure water sprays, then water resistance is improved, but the sealing element must resist higher water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic spacer 8 serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the high-pressure water sprays and the sealing element 5. It deflects water and reduces kinetic energy before water reaches the seal, allowing the seal to maintain its sealing function under IPX9K test conditions without being directly subjected to full water pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic spacer 8 is positioned beforehand to cushion and absorb the impact of high-pressure water sprays before they reach the sealing element 5. This preemptive protection reduces the kinetic energy of water attempting to compromise the seal during IPX9K testing, ensuring the seal maintains its integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The elastic spacer enhances the protective properties by deflecting water and reducing kinetic energy, ensuring the venting device consistently passes the IPX9K test regardless of housing geometry, maintaining air exchange and preventing water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
said venting device (1) comprises an elastic spacer (8), said elastic spacer (8) is arranged such that upon attaching said venting device (1) to said housing (7) said elastic spacer (8) establishes a contact with said housing to form a seal protection
Implementation Method 2
said sealing element (5) is arranged such that upon attaching said venting device (1) to said housing (7) said sealing element (5) is compressed between said support member (2) and said housing (7) to form said seal
Implementation Method 3
an air permeable membrane layer (4) attached to said support member (2) to cover said through hole (3)... the air permeable membrane (4) covered through hole (3) allows air exchange between the inside and the outside of said housing (7)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention provides improved venting devices e.g. for electronic housings, whereas said venting devices are designed to be waterproof even under drastic circumstances, as simulated e.g. by the IPX9K test (ISO 20653).